Flooka is certainly a fun place to visit. The experience starts with a climb up a steep staircase into an entrance that’s home to a massive counter displaying fish on ice, from which diners take their pick. The welcome is exceptional as well, with staff friendly and relaxed enough to stop and have a natter for a few seconds without coming across as intrusive. Flooka has a lovely al fresco seating area and even the wooden beach hut-inspired indoor space is fun. So it’s a shame that the food is a bit of a mixed bag. The sautéed squid in ink, for instance, is disappointingly bland, yet the kingfisher fillet with steamed vegetables is beautifully cooked, so they do get it right with the dishes that really matter. Most dishes are served in mezze portions, with presentation often sorely lacking. The good news, though, concerns the prices, with lots of the mezze plates around the Dhs40 mark and portions huge.Open Sun-Thu noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm; Fri-Sat noon-11.45pm. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah (04 346 1111).